Events
Where the sound gets heard.
From an annual UNESCO-recognized festival to workshops with visiting master musicians, this is where Kakuma Sound's programming happens — inside the camp and beyond it.
Flagship & Recurring
Festivals, workshops & performances
Kakuma Sound Cultural Festival
UNESCO-recognized as the first refugee-led cultural festival of its kind, showcasing traditional music and dance from more than 20 nationalities. The 2022 edition also marked the opening of the camp's first recording studio.
World Refugee Day Festival
Since 2015, Kakuma's singers, rappers and dancers have taken the stage each World Refugee Day — an event first organized in the camp by Nairobi artist Octopizzo.
Nyege Nyege Festival debut
Kakuma Sound artists introduced themselves to an international audience at Uganda's Nyege Nyege Festival, one of East Africa's largest music gatherings.
Kakuma Got Talent
A youth talent program — with categories for singers, rappers, dancers, models and comedians — developed with the Lutheran World Federation and Danish Church Aid.
Ishango Film Festival collaboration
Kakuma Sound co-founders joined Yole!Africa's celebrated Ishango Film Festival in Goma, DRC, deepening a partnership around music, film and grassroots arts advocacy.
First trainings in Uganda & Rwanda
Backed by Amnesty International's Hanna Grunwald Fund, Kakuma Sound opened its first branches outside Kakuma — with trainings and performances launched in Kyaka and Kyagwali camps, Uganda, and Mahama camp, Rwanda.
Between the Big Events
Weekly & seasonal programming
Weekly
Jam sessions & rehearsals
Ad hoc gatherings at church services, weddings and celebrations remain the daily soundtrack of life in Kakuma.
Seasonal
Master musician workshops
Visiting instructors from residents' home countries lead intensive sessions on traditional instruments and repertoire.
March
International Women's Day
Kakuma Sound branches in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda mark the day with dedicated performances and celebrations.
Want to Attend or Support an Event?
Bring Kakuma Sound to your stage, or bring the world to Kakuma's.
Reach out about booking artists, sponsoring a festival, or hosting a workshop — or support the programming directly with a donation.